HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_CVB_05.04.2007EST. 184E
GEORGETOWN
TEXAS
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board
Meeting Minutes — May 4, 2007
CVB Conference Room
Present: Betty Ann Sensabaugh, Florence Gould, Nancy Benold, RC Lumpkin,
Taunya Vessels, Holly Tissier, Chris Dyer
City Staff: Shelly Hargrove, Tourism Director; Mark Thomas, Economic
Development Director
1. Call to Order
RC Lumpkin called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.
2. Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the April 5, 2007 meeting reviewed. MOTION was made and
seconded (Benold/Dyer) to approve the minutes. All in favor, none opposed.
3. HOT Grant Follow-up Report
Vice -chair Chris Dyer distributed and discussed a HOT Grant Follow-up Report on
the WCHM's rack card. Visitation continues to increase for the museum due to wide
distribution of the rack cards across the state, as well as outreach effort by staff.
Visitation numbers for 2007 are up 17% from 2006 numbers. To further promote
overnight stays to Georgetown, the WCHM has added the Georgetown brand and a
link to the lodging section of the visitgeorgetown.com website to the bottom of
WCHM's website home page at www.wchm-tx.org
4. Introduction of new Holiday Inn Express manager was not made since she wasn't in
attendance.
5. Introduction and discussion with Georgetown El) Director
Mark discussed several projects that the ED department has been busy focusing on
such as the successful recruitment of Citicorp which was a very large cash deal. He
also explained ED's focus of quality of quantity for Georgetown, and he mentioned
there are several hotel prospects that are looking more seriously at Georgetown.
Exploregeorgetown.com is an award -winning website that has lots of demographic
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and property information including the Retail Leakage Study numbers that show
how much money is being spent outside of Georgetown under what retail
categories. Georgetown needs to focus on what amenities and entertainment
options are available for 20 and 30-somethings that are employees of these high-tech
industries.
6. Task Force Reports
a) Public Awareness: RC mentioned that he invited Mark Thomas to speak
today, and he will be inviting others like Mel Pendland with the Chamber
and a DGA representative to tell us what they are currently doing.
b) Marketing: Chris reported that he has met with Lucas on a preliminary
outline for a 10 minute video of Georgetown that can be possibly shown at
the Palace Theatre, as well as off our website. Also, the interactive kiosk
located in the VIC will be moved around to other sites like Comfort Suites
and other lodging locations.
c) Visitor Info. Centers: Betty Ann reported that they have not met, but there
were 157 hits to the Wolf Ranch VIC in April.
d) New Markets: Taunya mentioned that the committee had met and
determined a list of potential partners to work with on attracting coach tours
and groups, including Round RockOutlet, Ft. Hood, large corporations,
sports tournaments, Army Corp of Engineers and Sun City.
7. Staff Report
Shelly mentioned that National Tourism Week is May 12-20 and the Mayor issued a
proclamation to help bring more awareness to the economic impact of tourism on
the community. Margie Ranc with Ranc Associates was hired as the Media
Relations Professional to target out-of-town publications and outlets that focus on
travel and tourism. The city manager listed a preliminary list of 2007/08 fiscal year
items recommending to be approved like a full-time VIC Coordinator. Military
Spouses Day is Friday, May 11 at Wolf Ranch so if board members can help welcome
the group, then arrive around 9:30 a.m. to help pass out goodie bags.
8. Meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Approved and attested to by:
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RC Lumpkin/Board Chair Date
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Holly Tiss� r Board Secretary
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